#insightblog

WEEKLY BLOG 11-12 : INSIGHT

As a student now becoming interested in becoming an entrepreneur because of this course, it's inspiring to see how businesses around us succeed by being adaptable, innovative, and strategic. Businesses like Hisgot Cafe, Banana Republic, Pia Mia OOTD & Ladies Bags, AJS Motorparts, and A&G Reyes Realty offer valuable lessons on staying relevant, building trust, and focusing on long-term goals

Adaptability and Innovation One key lesson is the importance of adaptability and innovation. Businesses that stay flexible can adjust to customer needs and stand out. For example, Hisgot Cafe started as a ukulele rental shop and became a successful café, showing how adapting to changes can lead to growth. Banana Republic also adds creativity to traditional Filipino snacks, showing that innovation keeps things exciting. 

Using Social Media for Growth Social media is essential for connecting with customers and growing your brand. Pia Mia OOTD & Ladies Bags and AJS Motorparts use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to engage with their audience and promote their products. I realized having an active online presence is key to attracting and retaining customers. Social media helps businesses reach a larger audience and keep them updated on new products or services.

Clear Vision and Growth Plans Successful businesses have clear goals and plans for growth. A&G Reyes Realty Corporation is a good example, as they know where they want to go and have a plan to get there. As students, we should start thinking about how to scale our ideas early on. This includes setting goals, doing market research, and planning for the future. A clear vision and strategy are important for sustainable success.

WEEKLY BLOG 9-10

Meeting Food Cravings

Blue Dragon Foods and Tapsi Boi represent Cagayan de Oro's vibrant food culture. Blue Dragon Foods, founded in 2021, has developed an audience with its takeout and lunch services, relying on social media to build a loyal customer base. Their dedication to great service and local sourcing reflects a growing trend among consumers who prefer comfort and convenient dining options. Tapsi Boi, noted for its iconic Filipino dishes like as Tapsilog, serves a wide customer by providing a variety of service choices, including delivery and curbside pickup. Both restaurants are doing more than just feeding tummies; they are also developing community hubs where price and excellence meet.

The Cafetol, a newly opened coffee shop in 2023, contributes to this food spot by providing a comfortable place particularly for students and office workers. Cafetol, according to owner Miss Milkie, not only serves drinks but also delightful merienda choices, resulting in a shared hub where guests can relax and enjoy their time. Their plans for future growth, including product innovation and market expansion, demonstrate a strong commitment to satisfying changing customer needs.

Promoting Sustainable Transportation

In the side of sustainable transport, Prima Electric Vehicles Company (Gecko) stands out by providing eco-friendly transportation solutions through electric bikes and scooters. Founded in 2016, Gecko appeals to environmentally conscious consumers, including students and seniors, by offering discounts that encourage green commuting. Their focus on making life easier for customers aligns with a broader societal shift towards sustainability, showcasing how businesses can contribute positively to environmental challenges.

Addressing Tech Needs

Invogue Fashion Florence Vecino, the owner of Invogue Fashion, has shown us the power of personalized customer experiences. By offering discounts and prioritizing customer satisfaction, Invogue has built strong relationships that have helped the boutique thrive.

Glaze 8 Handcrafted Donuts From a home kitchen to 17 branches across CDO, Glaze 8 has become a city-wide favorite by engaging with the community and leveraging family passion. Their creative yummy flavors and customer-focused approach have set them apart in the competitive donut industry.

AdTech Computers AdTech's focus on skill, service quality, and customer satisfaction has made them a reliable and respected technology company in Cagayan de Oro throughout the years. Their dedication to providing many computer-related services and products showcases the importance of building lasting relationships with customers.

Mr. Quencher Through patience and a commitment to customer trust, Mr. Quencher has established a loyal customer base that extends beyond Cagayan de Oro. Their use of local ingredients and dedication to service quality reflect a true passion for delivering the best to their customers.

Kick Tees and Apparel Charlie Dela Torre's Kick Tees exemplifies the power of persistence in customer service. Balancing high demand with limited resources, they have shown that patience and effective promotions are key to keeping customers happy and engaged.

As we reflect on these entrepreneurial journeys, it's evident that success in business goes beyond profits – it's about building relationships, engaging with the community, and providing top-quality service. These businesses have taught us valuable lessons in resilience, passion, and customer-centric growth.

So here's to the entrepreneurs of Cagayan de Oro – may your stories inspire others to pursue their dreams, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact on the world of business.

This blog shares my insights from five local businesses in Cagayan de Oro, showing how passion and innovation can lead to success. All these businesses together inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and point out the significance of resilience and community in growing a successful business.

The story of Steve’s Barbecue highlights the power of creativity and hard work in starting a business. The original owner, Mrs. Criselda Ibanez Carson, started with nothing but determination. Back then she borrowed P150 from a neighbor to sell peanuts and cigarettes at Cogon Market. Steve's barbeque started as cart business.

As the business grows, day by day, she wanted to name the business after her husband, Steve which now named as Steve's Barbeque. Now, it has more branches around CDO and one of the pioneers of grilling houses along JR Borja Extension in Cagayan de Oro City, Steve’s Barbecue is not just a restaurant; it embodies the spirit of resilience. Mrs. Criselda’s secret to their flavorful barbecue is simple yet profound: “marinated with love.” Despite facing many challenges over the years, the business has thrived, proving that passion and determination can overcome any obstacle. Mrs. Criselda’s commitment and "love" to her cooking inspired everyone, including myself, to pursue our passions wholeheartedly and strive for success. Now, in their 3rd branch, Maam Dulce Asoy, the owner and operator, utilizes technologies like digital ordering system and inventory system for their supplies, provide quality and builds welcoming environment to the customers.

NLM Consumer Goods Trading

Founded in 2020 by 23-year-old CEO Lenie Quinto, NLM started as an online selling venture after Lenie decided to leave her studies at PHINMA COC College. The business quickly gained popularity, inspiring her to open a physical store. NLM uses social media platforms for live selling, attracting a dedicated online customer base. Lenie encourages a collaborative environment by being open to team suggestions, which has allowed the business to grow beyond its online roots. Next Level Millennial shortly 'NLM' Consumer Goods Trading shows how innovative thinking and adaptability can drive business success. She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to save money and invent creatively and recycle resources to create marketable products, serving as an inspiring example for those finding the evolving market environment.

Blend and Bloem

Blend and Bloem is a fruit and vegetable store that just recently opened their doors in February 2024, emphasizing the growing call for fresh produce and access. With negotiable discounts to PWD and students, the healthy food is within reach for everybody. Their changing from being an online shop into actual places in Ororama, Buena Oro Macasandig, SM Uptown and SM Downtown symbolizes how they listen and make themselves comply with the needs of their clients, because they really value their customers. Despite issues with delivery, which translates into lesser stocks, it is actively managed to remain fresh by the owner who is aware of specific fruits coming from distant parts of the Philippines. Their aim of selling their daily display will eventually prove to be a waste-reducing move toward selling as much as possible. Overall, Blend and Bloem serves fruit lovers who support community involvement and encourages sustainability.

Anster Autoworks

From its launch in 2019 to date, the Anster Autoworks company has build relationship with its clients-majorly business people who use their vehicles for daily operations. Through active engagement with customers on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Anster Autoworks represents the influence of modern connectivity with inquiries and relationship. What makes them unique is their commitment to upholding the promise of informing customers, especially if they are not frequent visitors of the shop. Through continuous updates about what's being done for their automobile from pictures and videos of their vehicle, they build trust and loyalty among clients. It not only adds value to the customer experience but to repetitive business as well, since the attention their vehicle receives would be an important consideration on the part of the clients, so they would keep coming back. Anster Autoworks, in general, is a very excellent example of how modern businesses could really succeed by combining technology with reality. It shows that repairing cars is not an end but brings people together and makes them feel cared for and supported.

KARRFASSST Car Accessories

Marwin, a-company installation technician says that hands-on experience in dealing with customers is of prime importance. KARRFASSST Car Accessories demonstrates how one can be on the top by relying on the client relationship and on the quality of service to boom the company. By providing discounts and even free services, KARRFASSST tries to bring in loyalty and pushes customers to bring in their vehicles regularly for maintenance. This guarantees timely servicing to the customers and delivery of quality in automobile accessories without the delay of their vehicle care, a step taken in advance. Altogether, KARRFASSST, with its commitment to satisfying the customer and efficient working, has thus been the most trusted name in the market of automotive accessories, as it has practically been in business for nearly 30 years.

The entrepreneurial landscape of Cagayan de Oro is filled with small and medium-sized enterprises that reflect the diversity and resilience of local business owners. From motorcycle dealerships to gadget shops and repair services, each business has its own unique story, challenges, and dreams of expansion.

As part of our research for our Technopreneurship project at the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), we had the privilege of interviewing five businesses. These businesses shared their insights, struggles, and future plans, offering a valuable glimpse into the world of local entrepreneurship.

To Desmark, they emphasizes the importance of understanding and meeting customer needs by offering warranties and promotions, which helps foster customer loyalty. Their ability to secure motorcycle financing also showcases their commitment to customer service.

In ACN Trading, they demonstrates adaptability by responding to market changes with competitive pricing and seasonal sales, catering to budget-conscious customers especially bicycle and motorcycle riders. Established in the early 90s, they operate with fewer than 20 employees and remain optimistic about future growth despite challenges like slow foot traffic. The owner advises aspiring entrepreneurs to align their businesses with their personal interests, as this can lead to long-term success and fulfillment.

Oro Gadgets Center, a family-run business, focuses on building strong relationships with customers by providing senior discounts and warranties. Their plans for nationwide expansion in Philppines show their commitment to growth, while Monte’s advice to be patient during slow times highlights the need for perseverance.

Century Enterprises sells onions, garlic, and other wholesale products to local small businesses while keeping operations efficient with just four employees. They offer discounts to regular 'suki' customers and PWDs, demonstrating a commitment to understanding and serving their community's needs. The saleslady, Miss Jenny Lapor advices us the importance of saving before starting a business and recommends beginning with small capital to enable gradual growth.

The space between the person I am striving to be and the person I am has shortened. More so, in recent years. However, for most of the years I did not have an outlook that focused more on values but rather materialistic tangibles, which were next to nothing at the time. For all those years I was oblivious to all the wealth and everything else I actually had. Most of it was abundant and priceless. The image above shows the invaluable love that has brought me thus far. Far enough to have realised what is important in life and how reactions to circumstances have the power alter the direction of one’s life.

The boy carried by his mother is me. In the middle is my aunt and next to her is her brother (aka my father) and  lastly my older sister. The picture was taken in our living room in Chiawelo, 3 years before my younger sister was born.

Today I am grateful for all I have. I am grateful for the unconditional love and support of my wife and family, the good health and active lifestyle of my children, the loyal and ambitious friends I keep and the respect my community gives me. Above everything I am glad I am able to pursue my dreams. Given my upbringing, I could not fathom I would go to university to study my dream degree, let alone graduate. I could not imagine I would be able to direct and produce music or deserve the title of graphic designer nor creative director.

“I never knew we were poor until I was told we were”

I am a Communication Strategist because I was born and raised in a shack by loving grandparents who never spared the rod or let me go hungry. I never knew we were poor until I was told we were. I never questioned why my parents were not in attendance at debate competitions or award ceremonies because I understood what they had to do to provide the clothes I wore. Hungry nights in Hilbrow, Johannesburg, with nothing but music, poetry and the company of my friends have honed my ears for music. Struggling to submit advertising assignments without Photoshop let alone a computer have gave me an eye for graphic design. Failed relationships have gave me the love of my life. 

“Everything worth having is worth fighting for”